<p>As the 18th BRICS Summit takes place in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding hands, sharing hugs and smiles with world leaders from Russia, China and Iran. The Summit comes at a time amid heightened geopolitical tensions and challenging times for several nations as they reel from the effects of wars in West Asia and Europe. Visuals from the high-stakes summit went viral, showing PM Modi sharing moments with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.</p><p>While language may be a barrier for the leaders, the leaders seem to connect well with each other, sharing a bond and sending a strong message to the rest of the world. Here’s what body language expert Gaurav Gill told WION.</p><h2><strong>PM Modi and Xi</strong></h2><p>Speaking about a video showing PM Modi welcoming Xi at the summit, Gill said the two leaders’ body language shows authority, confidence, interest, and respect.</p><p>“When he (PM Modi) goes ahead and welcomes him (Chinese President Xi), he extends his hand first, and then that’s a sign of welcoming, and there is clear authority,” Gill said.</p><p>He further explains, “When he brings him here, you see... When the Chinese president is standing and listening, he puts both hands at the back. That is a sign of respect and interest in what has been delivered to him.”</p><p>“Also when he’s standing, there is distance between his feet that speaks of authority. A similar thing can be seen for our Indian PM; there’s a lot of confidence and authority as they shake hands, and as they go, PM Modi shows him the way and we see Xi Jinping also smiling along. He makes eye contact.”</p><p>Gill says Xi’s body language shows that there is a strong reason why he has come to India after seven years.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WIONAtBRICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONAtBRICS</a> | The power frame of 2026<br><br>PM Modi, Xi and Putin lock hands together<br><br>The ultimate photo-op of the 18th BRICS Summit<br><br>Consultant psychologist and Body language expert, <a href="https://x.com/GauravG39565221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GauravG39565221</a> joins <a href="https://x.com/Mohammed11Saleh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohammed11Saleh</a> with more insights <a href="https://t.co/6X5UNBVsH5">pic.twitter.com/6X5UNBVsH5</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2098756932459000304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>PM Modi and Pezeshkian</strong></h2><p>Speaking about the image showing PM Modi holding hands with Iranian President Pezeshkian, Gill explained that the gesture conveyed that India is standing with Iran in difficult times.</p><p>“When you hold hands with each other, it generates a chemical, oxytocin. It is a bond-generating chemical. It also speaks of close proximity, and it says we are standing with you, especially when the times are difficult,” he said.</p><p>Gill said that it also conveys a message of building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. He added that it shows that India is standing by the allies and also sends a strong message to the rest of the world.</p><h2><strong>What PM Modi’s handshakes mean?</strong></h2><p>Gill said that all handshakes shared by PM Modi show personal chemistry and also speak of warmth. It also shows that we are looking at dialogue and a close connection.</p><p>“How BRICS was born was originally with Brazil, Russia, India and China. How it grew to 11 nations sends a strong message to other countries. Our Indian PM holding hands and shaking hands is also sending a msg that we are keeping them close and we are forming a bond, and now this has grown to 11 countries. So that is sending a message,” Gill said. “There was a tree plantation together, which was to send a message that it was a sapling earlier; now it will grow into a bigger bond, and it will form into a strong multilateral and multiple coalition over a period of time.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

At the BRICS Summit, Modi’s hugs, handshakes and smiles with Xi, Putin and Pezeshkian went viral. Body language expert decoded the gestures and their diplomatic message.

As the 18th BRICS Summit takes place in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding hands, sharing hugs and smiles with world leaders from Russia, China and Iran. The Summit comes at a time amid heightened geopolitical tensions and challenging times for several nations as they reel from the effects of wars in West Asia and Europe. Visuals from the high-stakes summit went viral, showing PM Modi sharing moments with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. While language may be a barrier for the leaders, the leaders seem to connect well with each other, sharing a bond and sending a strong message to the rest of the world. Here’s what body language expert Gaurav Gill told WION. PM Modi and Xi Speaking about a video showing PM Modi welcoming Xi at the summit, Gill said the two leaders’ body language shows authority, confidence, interest, and respect. “When he (PM Modi) goes ahead and welcomes him (Chinese President Xi), he extends his hand first, and then that’s a sign of welcoming, and there is clear authority,” Gill said. He further explains, “When he brings him here, you see... When the Chinese president is standing and listening, he puts both hands at the back. That is a sign of respect and interest in what has been delivered to him.” “Also when he’s standing, there is distance between his feet that speaks of authority. A similar thing can be seen for our Indian PM; there’s a lot of confidence and authority as they shake hands, and as they go, PM Modi shows him the way and we see Xi Jinping also smiling along. He makes eye contact.” Gill says Xi’s body language shows that there is a strong reason why he has come to India after seven years.

<p>At the BRICS Summit, Modi’s hugs, handshakes and smiles with Xi, Putin and Pezeshkian went viral. Body language expert decoded the gestures and their diplomatic message.</p>

What do PM Modi’s hugs, handshakes with leaders at BRICS mean? Body language expert decodes

<p>A long handshake, smiles and a brief conversation between the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi offered a striking glimpse of the changing tone in India-China ties.</p><p>The two leaders were seen shaking hands and speaking to each other after the closed-door session for BRICS member countries. The interaction came as New Delhi and Beijing continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of tensions triggered by the 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff.</p><p>Xi’s presence in New Delhi is significant as it marks his first visit to India in nearly seven years. His engagement with Modi could provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands and interact with each other after the conclusion of closed session for BRICS Member Countries, at the BRICS Summit 2026.<br><br>(Video: DD News) <a href="https://t.co/GUOLwpHLLK">pic.twitter.com/GUOLwpHLLK</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2098726272696525070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>From border tensions to renewed engagement</h2><p>India-China relations have been dominated in recent years by military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).</p><p>However, both sides have taken steps to restore engagement. India and China have moved towards restoring direct flights, easing visa arrangements and increasing high-level diplomatic contacts.</p><p>Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has also publicly called for greater cooperation between the two countries.</p><p>Beijing would work with New Delhi to “enhance cooperation, properly handle differences” and remain “friends enjoying good-neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed”, Xu said.</p><h2>A different global backdrop</h2><p>The Modi-Xi interaction comes against a rapidly changing international backdrop, with conflicts and geopolitical tensions putting pressure on global trade, energy supplies and economic stability.</p><p>The Russia-Ukraine war continues, while the conflict in West Asia, including the Iran-US confrontation, has added to concerns over energy and global economic stability.</p><p>For India and China, the BRICS platform offers an avenue to focus on cooperation among emerging economies as the wider international system faces multiple disruptions.</p><h2>‘Partners helping each other succeed’</h2><p>The warm body language between Modi and Xi also follows several recent high-level interactions between the two leaders. They have met in consecutive years, including at Kazan and Tianjin.</p><p>Beijing has described their engagement as part of a longer-term effort to manage differences while expanding areas of cooperation.</p><p>India’s Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami has also highlighted the possibility of the two countries viewing each other as “cooperation partners, not rivals” and as “each other’s development opportunities rather than threats”.</p><p>The latest Modi-Xi interaction at the BRICS Summit could therefore signal another step in the gradual effort by New Delhi and Beijing to put years of tensions behind them and rebuild engagement.</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared a warm handshake at the New Delhi BRICS Summit, signaling a gradual stabilization of India-China ties following years of border tensions.

A long handshake, smiles and a brief conversation between the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi offered a striking glimpse of the changing tone in India-China ties. The two leaders were seen shaking hands and speaking to each other after the closed-door session for BRICS member countries. The interaction came as New Delhi and Beijing continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of tensions triggered by the 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff. Xi’s presence in New Delhi is significant as it marks his first visit to India in nearly seven years. His engagement with Modi could provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared a warm handshake at the New Delhi BRICS Summit, signaling a gradual stabilization of India-China ties following years of border tensions.</p>

WATCH: PM Modi-Xi Jinping handshake goes viral as warm BRICS exchange highlights India-China thaw

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen together while holding hands and laughing during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The image was posted by PM Modi on social media, and it quickly went viral as the leaders’ “bromance” took the spotlight at the high-stakes event. The display of unity and partnership comes at a time when the world is gripped by uncertain geopolitical conditions.</p><p>This is not the first time the three leaders were captured together. PM Modi was seen holding hands with Putin and Xi last year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.</p><p>“Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of the decision-making process. We must transform this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership’ – one where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity lies at the heart of every effort,” PM Modi said.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BRICS Summit 2026 gets underway in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/WN7YWi5bTg">pic.twitter.com/WN7YWi5bTg</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2098724059156791734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>PM Modi held several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including Putin, Xi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He was seen sharing hugs, handshakes and smiles with the leaders, sending a message of unity and partnership to the rest of the world.</p>

<h2><strong>India hosts 18th BRICS Summit</strong></h2><p>India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12 and September 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit is being attended by several world leaders from about 30 BRICS member and partner nations. Heads of international organisations and business representatives from BRICS countries are also present at the meetings. The year 2026 also marks 20 years since BRICS was established. BRICS engagements focus on political and security cooperation, economic and financial ties, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.</p><p>This year, India assumed the chairship of the BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical bloc made up of major emerging market economies. India is one of the founding members of the grouping, which was formalised in 2006, along with Russia, China and Brazil. The group was initially called BRIC, but was later renamed to BRICS after South Africa joined the bloc in 2010. The group now has 11 full member countries and 10 official partner nations.</p><p>This year’s theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, which will focus on a people-centric approach guided by the principle of “Humanity First.”</p>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen together while holding hands and laughing during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen together while holding hands and laughing during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The image was posted by PM Modi on social media, and it quickly went viral as the leaders’ “bromance” took the spotlight at the high-stakes event. The display of unity and partnership comes at a time when the world is gripped by uncertain geopolitical conditions. This is not the first time the three leaders were captured together. PM Modi was seen holding hands with Putin and Xi last year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. “Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of the decision-making process. We must transform this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership’ – one where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity lies at the heart of every effort,” PM Modi said.

<p>At the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Modi, Putin and Xi shared a lighthearted moment, holding hands and laughing as the leaders highlighted partnership amid global geopolitical tensions.</p>

Modi, Putin, Xi ‘bromance’ goes viral as leaders captured holding hands at BRICS Summit

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What do PM Modi’s hugs, handshakes with leaders at BRICS mean? Body language expert decodes

WATCH: PM Modi-Xi Jinping handshake goes viral at BRICS Summit

Modi, Putin, Xi ‘bromance’ goes viral as leaders captured holding hands at BRICS